Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune presents Parkinson’s info to retirees

Michelle Lynche talked about the signs and symptoms, stages, diagnosis, research progress and care of Parkinson’s disease and dementia to retired military Thursday afternoon at the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune. They will be hosting quarterly meetings to discuss retiree and active duty benefits and initiatives.

Chuck Beckley/The Daily News

By THOMAS BRENNAN - Daily News Staff

Published: Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 08:50 AM.

Nearly two dozen retirees attended the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune Commanding Officer Military Retiree Healthcare Town Hall on Thursday in order to discuss Parkinson ’s disease, a topic requested by local military retirees.

“I would say from a doctor’s perspective, it is an interesting topic,” said Lt. Michelle Lynch, a family medicine doctor. “It’s a very complex disorder that a lot of people are concerned about getting, so by passing information people can look out for themselves and others.”

Parkinson’s disease is a “disorder of a specific neurological chemical in the brain” according to Lynch. It affects an individual as a whole person throughout the body with symptoms that include tremors, postural instability, slowed movements and muscular rigidity. According to Lynch, the average age of onset is 60 years of age, with men being affected more than women.

“Family medicine doctors and internal medicine doctors that we have here at the
Naval
Hospital
will see most folks and manage their symptoms,” Lynch said. “If it becomes too much for that level of provider we will refer them to a specialty clinic for specialized care.”

There is no cure for Parkinson’s, according to Lynch.

“We can’t put our finger on a specific cause,” said Lynch who covered a variety of treatment options such as physical, speech and occupational rehabilitation. “Communication and teamwork with your doctor is key. It’s a diagnosis made clinically.”

For retirees such as George M. Barrows, 84, of
Jacksonville
the information he learns at the Retiree Healthcare Town Halls will allow him to make himself and his friends more aware of their bodies and their health.

Nearly two dozen retirees attended the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune Commanding Officer Military Retiree Healthcare Town Hall on Thursday in order to discuss Parkinson ’s disease, a topic requested by local military retirees.

“I would say from a doctor’s perspective, it is an interesting topic,” said Lt. Michelle Lynch, a family medicine doctor. “It’s a very complex disorder that a lot of people are concerned about getting, so by passing information people can look out for themselves and others.”

Parkinson’s disease is a “disorder of a specific neurological chemical in the brain” according to Lynch. It affects an individual as a whole person throughout the body with symptoms that include tremors, postural instability, slowed movements and muscular rigidity. According to Lynch, the average age of onset is 60 years of age, with men being affected more than women.

“Family medicine doctors and internal medicine doctors that we have here at the NavalHospital will see most folks and manage their symptoms,” Lynch said. “If it becomes too much for that level of provider we will refer them to a specialty clinic for specialized care.”

There is no cure for Parkinson’s, according to Lynch.

“We can’t put our finger on a specific cause,” said Lynch who covered a variety of treatment options such as physical, speech and occupational rehabilitation. “Communication and teamwork with your doctor is key. It’s a diagnosis made clinically.”

For retirees such as George M. Barrows, 84, of Jacksonville the information he learns at the Retiree Healthcare Town Halls will allow him to make himself and his friends more aware of their bodies and their health.

“If retirees have specific ailments or concerns, retirees can come in and get their questions answered,” said Barrows, a World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran. “The hospital can give us a class and any ailments at all — anytime we have a subject we want to find out about the hospital sets it up. It’s about teamwork between the NavalHospital and the retirees.”

Barrows said this is one of the many ways that the NavalHospital cares for the health and wellness of its retirees.

“The hospital here treats their retirees fantastic — they’re great,” Barrows said. “I’ve been coming since 1987 and I have no problems with the hospital. They’ve helped me over the years and I know they will continue to do so.”

All retirees, active duty and family members are invited to attend the next Town Hall on June 20 which will be located in the NavalHospital galley.